How Much Does an Attorney Answering Service Cost in 2025?
Most law offices are surprised to learn that having a live professional to remotely answer calls begins at about $129 a month, or roughly $1.38 per operator minute used. A high end service including legal intake, may run as high as $3.50 a minute.
Here’s how we get you the best price: Tell us about your law office. When do you need calls answered? How many calls per month? Do you need appointments scheduled? Would you like certain calls patched through? Once we build a profile, we’ll get you 1-4 quotes to compare. There’s no pressure, or obligation. Simply review answering service plans and packages from local call centers near you, and decide. It’s that easy.
This quick guide will help you understand the cost drivers for attorney answering services, allowing you to select and pay for the services that are most cost-effective for your law firm.
4 Ways to Lower The Cost of An Attorney Answering Service
Utilizing an attorney answering service can be a game-changer for law firms, offering professionalism and efficiency in handling client communications. However, the costs associated with these services can add up. Here are four effective strategies to lower these costs without compromising on quality:
- Optimize Call Duration
- Train for Efficiency: Ensure your virtual receptionists are trained to handle calls efficiently. This includes quick collection of essential information and understanding when to transfer calls.
- Use Scripts and FAQs: Implementing scripts and frequently asked questions (FAQs) can help receptionists handle common queries more quickly, reducing call duration.
- Carefully Select Your Plan
- Assess Call Volume: Analyze your monthly call volume and choose a plan that closely matches your needs. Avoid plans with too many or too few included minutes.
- Consider Pay-Per-Minute Options: If your call volume is significantly low, consider a pay-per-minute plan. This can be more cost-effective than a flat-rate plan with unused minutes.
- Limit Call Patching/Transferring
- Restrict to Essential Transfers: Only use call patching for essential calls. Non-urgent matters can be addressed through messages or emails.
- Use a Local Number: If possible, use a local number instead of a toll-free number for forwarded calls to avoid additional charges for patched calls.
- Regularly Review and Adjust Services
- Monthly Service Evaluations: Regularly assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the answering service. Check if the current plan still suits your needs.
- Negotiate with Service Providers: Don’t hesitate to negotiate with your service provider for better rates or discounts, especially if you have a long-term relationship or high volume of calls.
By implementing these strategies, law firms can enjoy the benefits of an attorney answering service while keeping the costs in check. Remember, the key is to find a balance between cost efficiency and maintaining high standards of client service.
Inbound Call Frequency
The number of calls your office receives is closely related to the number of minutes your virtual receptionists will need to spend on the phone but is a separate metric used by many attorneys answering services to set monthly and as-used plan prices. Again, the more calls you receive, the more you can expect to pay—and the more value and cost efficiency you are like to realize from your answering service investment. With a higher call volume, an answering service eliminates the trade-off between hiring multiple receptionists or putting callers on lengthy holds.
Appointment Scheduling Services
Many inbound call centers now offer appointment scheduling for law firms—a service that can significantly reduce administrative workload and keep calendars organized. However, it typically extends call durations and requires specialized training for off-site receptionists to work within your specific calendar system. While these factors can increase costs, many attorneys find the convenience and time savings well worth the added expense.
Customized Solutions for Your Firm
Attorney answering services are highly adaptable and can be tailored to fit your firm’s unique requirements. By working through our referral network, you can receive competitive quotes from multiple providers and select the option that best aligns with your budget and goals. Contact us today to explore how these services can streamline your operations and improve client care.
Inbound Call Patching/Transfer vs. Messaging
Legal answering services commonly include call patching (transferring) and message-taking options:
- Call Patching/Transfer
- Typically adds a modest fee—often around $0.05 per call.
- Requires more operator time and resources.
- Improves client satisfaction by swiftly connecting callers to the right person or department.
- May incur a small toll-free charge if you use an 800 number.
- Messaging
- Can be sent via email or other preferred platforms.
- Ideal for non-urgent inquiries.
- Allows you to respond at your convenience and avoid additional patching costs.
Although patching services add to your monthly bill, many firms find the client experience benefits far outweigh the modest fees.
Time-Based Billing vs. Call-Based Billing
The most common cost driver for legal answering services is call duration:
- Time-Based Billing
- Similar to cell phone plans—monthly fee covers a set number of minutes.
- Additional charges apply if you exceed your monthly allotment.
- Best suited for consistent or moderate-to-high call volumes.
- Call-Based Billing
- Pay strictly based on the number of calls, typically with a small base fee.
- Ideal for firms with low or unpredictable call volumes.
In general, a straightforward call (45–60 seconds) runs about $0.89–$1.46. If more detailed intake is necessary, costs can climb to $1.50–$2.10 per call. Carefully assessing your call patterns and choosing the right billing model can help you control costs without compromising service quality.